Ben Shepherd

Simon Calder took to This Morning to reveal an often overlooked destination in Europe that he dubbed ‘absolutely gorgeous’ and a ‘bargain’

Travel expert Simon Calder has been smitten with one particular destination since the 1980s. Now, this hidden gem is finally gaining recognition – yet Simon claims “prices are really back to kinda 1990s levels.”

Albania is emerging as a must-visit tourism hotspot, but as Simon revealed on ITV’s This Morning in a segment last year, he’s been championing it long before it became trendy. It comes as Wizz Air launches budget £20 flights to the country.

Speaking to presenters Ben Shepherd and Cat Deeley from his accommodation in Durres, Albania, Simon explained he had arrived the previous evening.

He said: “The sun has come out, it’s absolutely gorgeous and it’s one of the most historic and beautiful cities in Albania.”

Beyond its stunning scenery, Simon highlighted Albania’s “incredible bargains”, reports the Express.

A pizza and pint will set you back roughly £6, whilst his coach journey from the airport to his accommodation – spanning 30 miles – would have cost merely a couple of quid; had he not missed the final departure.

The country currently has sunny weather forecast for the next couple of weeks, with highs between 26-28C daily, allowing you to enjoy the summer for longer.

Simon also claimed Albania’s residents are amongst the most hospitable and warm-hearted you’ll encounter anywhere.

He revealed that once locals realised he’d missed his transport, they immediately rallied around to assist him in securing a taxi – even advising him on fair pricing to prevent any potential overcharging.

He noted that Albania currently sits outside the mainstream package holiday market, though he anticipates tour operators will catch on within the coming years.

Direct flights to Albania depart daily from key UK airports – and with this slice of paradise merely three hours away, it deserves a spot on your travel wishlist. If, like Simon, you fancy staying in Durres, then there’s plenty to keep you occupied.

Durres boasts a colossal Roman amphitheatre featuring preserved mosaics that visitors can explore and marvel at.

TripAdvisor gives this attraction top marks, with one reviewer calling it essential viewing.

One holidaymaker shared: “This place is absolutely wonderful. I noticed that a lot of people take pictures from the outside and do not wish to spend 200 lek which is little less then £2 to go and see it inside. I think it’s their loss and they choose not to support further recovery of this beautiful place.”

But if lounging on the beach is more your cup of tea, then Durres delivers on that front too – it’s packed with stretches of pristine white sand and sparkling turquoise waters.

Following a busy day of sightseeing, you’ll have built up quite an appetite, so why not sample some of Durres’s freshly caught seafood?

Gorgeous European train journey between two spectacular cities

‘I visited 17 European cities in a year — skip these 3 for a better time’

Squid, fish and octopus are all on offer and taste incredible thanks to being so freshly hauled in and prepared.

Another mouth-watering speciality is Japrak – minced meat and rice wrapped in vine leaves and slow-cooked to create rich, hearty flavours.

Ben Shephard delighted fans as he continued to celebrate his milestone 50th birthday.

Ben Shephard has delighted fans by sharing his “bucket list moment” amid his break from This Morning.

The former Good Morning Britain presenter, 50, has been celebrating his milestone birthday over recent months with a series of challenges he set himself.

He’s been keeping his Instagram followers updated along the way, as he vowed to be “the fittest I’ve ever been” before his 50th birthday.

Before turning 50 in December, Ben attempted cold water swimming, walking 5k and braving ice baths.

He’s now continued his celebrations with a family trip to Australia.

Sharing a peek into his travels with his sons, Ben wrote: “ So this is just a little bit exciting!!!!

“As part of my 50th year celebrations continue (have I mentioned I’ve turned 50) a proper bucket list moment, as we’ve just landed in Australia with the family – to support the British and Irish Lions across their tests!!!!

“I’m doing a bit of work but mostly doing a lot of cheering, supporting and merch acquiring…Lions Suitcases anyone.

“Can’t wait for later – thoughts on the score??? Also in Brisbane for a few days any recommends will be gratefully received!”

Fans and friends alike rushed to share their support, with Loose Women ’s Katie Piper writing: “That’s such a great thing to do as a family.”

“So exciting,” This Morning regular Ashley James said, while Helen Skelton wrote: “What an adventure,” and Gaby Roslin said: “Have an amazing adventure.”

Carol Vorderman shared her own anecdote, commenting: “Omg Ben I was filming in Brizzie and across Queensland in 1989 (it was very different then) and bumped into the Lions in a bar in Cairns Took me days to recover but what a laugh First time I ever had shots of tequila … it wasn’t a “thing” 40 years ago Bloody hell… life’s never dull Have a great great time.”

“Have fun big man there is some@great place to eat out there enjoy,” Jamie Oliver added.

Ben proved his challenges to be as fit as he could be paid off with a shoot in May showing off his six-pack.

Recreating his Men’s Health cover from 13 years ago, the TV presenter revealed his toned body, saying: “To get stronger, physically and mentally, is definitely harder the older you get. In my forties, I was still on the attack. In my fifties, I’m on the defensive.

“It’s all about how I prolong things now – not going out and smashing it left, right and centre.

“Proving to yourself you have the discipline to do something, proving you can be accountable to yourself is incredibly seductive and infectious. The more you get of that, the more you want it.”

Ben went on to explain that he appreciates his body now more than his 2012 photoshoot, and would “love” to recreate it again when he turns 60.

He told Men’s Health : “I think I value the condition I’m in now more than in 2012. I’ve got more lean muscle, that’s for sure.

“There are parts of my body that are bigger. I think my body fat is a little bit higher than it was then. Back then it was probably single figures and I think I’m about 10.5% to 10.8% now – which is extraordinary when you think I’m 13 years older.”

This Morning airs weekdays from 10am on ITV1.

This Morning’s Cat Deeley was left lost for words when she found out that she is in fact 15 years younger

This Morning’s Cat Deeley was left speechless as she discovered her biological age after confessing to bad sleeping habits.

During Thursday’s (July 17) episode of the ITV hit chat show, Cat, 48, and co-host Ben Shephard, 50, made a return to our screens as they presented the day’s top stories.

However it was one segment that took the pair by surprise as they took a medical test to discover what their biological age is.

Joined by longevity and biohacking expert, Dr. Alka Patel Cat asked: “Tell us, what is biohacking?” Dr Alka explained: “Biohacking is all about taking control of your health. If you split the word up, what you’re taking control of is your biology and the hacking is getting into your control centre, to really understand how you’re made.”

Keen to find out more, Cat further asked: “So what’s the difference between your biological age and the other age.”

Dr Alka revealed: “This is super important to know is that getting older and ages are two different things and most people don’t think of it like that. Your biological age is based on the level of your cells.”

Eager to find out how old they really are, Dr Alka, 53, went first and revealed that her biological age is 20. A shocked Ben replied: “What!” as Cat jumped in: “How did you do that?”

Dr Alka admitted: “I’ve been testing for a number of years and over the years that biological age hasn’t shifted.”

Turning attention to Ben, he went on to say: “My chronological age, not sure I’ve told you this but I’m 50, so we’re going to find out my biological age.”

The TV star, who prides himself on living a healthy lifestyle and regularly exercises, was left unimpressed as he discovered his biological age was only 46-years old.

Turning to the camera, he shouted: “46, is that it? I’m quite surprised about that because I think I look after myself, I get a decent amount of sleep, train really hard and I feel fit and healthier than I ever have in my life. I’m really fascinated that it’s only four years younger.”

Moving on to Cat, she admitted that taking the test was a ‘nightmare’ as she had to take the test twice. It was clear that Cat was expecting to also have a high age as she revealed: “I’m a terrible sleeper but I am healthy.”

Cat, 48, was left lost for words when she found out that she is in fact 15 years younger, with a result of 33-years-old.

A stunned Cat replied: “I could cry” as Ben jumped in and joked: “33! I want a recount.” Cat added: “I don’t know how I’ve done it because I certainly don’t sleep, which I know is one of the most important factors.”

This Morning continues on ITV1 from 10am every weekday and is available to stream back on ITVX.